Momentum's Arnold Cassola has called for the vacant Gżira local council seat left by former independent Mayor, now PN MP, Conrad Borg Manché to be reopened for a fresh contest restricted to independent candidates, saying that it would be an "abuse of power" for the PN and PL to decide who replaces him.

The call follows comments by Local Councils Association President Mario Fava, who said the vacant seat would be filled through a vote among Gżira's local councillors.

In a statement, Momentum said that the process would allow the PN and PL to "decide exclusively amongst themselves" who fills the seat vacated by an independent councillor, the statement said.

Momentum leader Arnold Cassola said the law is clear that when a party councillor vacates a seat, that party has the right to co-opt a replacement of its choosing.

"However, PN and PL have no right to decide who replaces an independent candidate. The law states expressly: 'In filling a vacancy by co-option, regard shall be had to the representation as nearly as may be of the interests and opinions represented and held by the vacating councillor,'" Cassola said.

He said that since the vacating councillor was an independent, "it stands to reason" that the person replacing him should also "represent as nearly as may be of the interests and opinions represented and held by the vacating councillor."

"It is evident that it is only an independent candidate that can represent these interests," Cassola said.

Momentum is therefore demanding that the seat be reopened for a public election among Gżira residents, restricted to independent candidates, the statement said.

"We are sick and tired of PL/PN trying to take over every possible elected position in this country, even when they are not supposed to be there," Cassola concluded.